The internal magnetic field structures and current density profiles in the Helicity Injected Spherical Torus plasma driven by coaxial helicity injection

摘要

In the Helicity Injected Spherical Torus device [Nagata et al., Proceedings of the 17th International Atomic Energy Agency Fusion Energy Conference, Yokohama, 1998 (International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 1998) CD-ROM, EXP4/10], internal magnetic field and current density structures of spherical torus (ST) plasmas sustained by coaxial helicity injection (CHI) have been revealed via intensive internal magnetic measurements. The internal magnetic configuration of the ST plasma formed by CHI is in good agreement with the results of numerical equilibrium fitting calculations. The generation of closed poloidal flux of ST has been verified by varying the external toroidal field strength in the same device. Interestingly, the transition of the current profile from hollow to peaked has been observed during the sustainment phase, which could be explained by inductive effects of currents on open field lines winding the central conductor. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics. [References: 30]